Of course, this isn’t exactly quite like any normal summer any of us have experienced before, as our communities continue to deal with the current pandemic.

But while we of course encourage you to do what you need to do to keep yourself and your family safe, getting lots of outdoor exercise is still highly recommended, especially for kids. And with the glorious weather and sudden increase in free time, you can bet they’ll take advantage of it!

That means, though, that you’ll need to make sure they have some good pairs of shoes to keep their growing feet safe and well supported. Are you up to the task?

Here are a few guidelines to consider:

Shoes Should Always Fit (and Be Comfortable)!

Children’s feet grow extremely fast, and that makes it tricky to keep them in shoes that are the right size!

Always make sure that, when you buy, there’s about half an inch of “wiggle space” between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. Then, check their shoes regularly (every couple of weeks or so) to make sure they aren’t starting to feel constricted.

One common mistake parents make is buying an extra-large shoe that their child can “grow into.” While we understand the thought process, shoes that are too big can be just as detrimental to foot health as shoes that are too small.

Another common mistake is expecting kids to “break in” shoes that are brand new. If the shoes are uncomfortable to wear even when trying them on for the first time and walking around a bit, chances are that they don’t fit and likely never will.

No Hand-Me-Downs or Shoe Sharing

We get it—kids are expensive, and picking up used shoes for cheap (or free) seems like it would be an efficient use of resources. Unfortunately, used shoes are almost never a good idea, unless your child is so young that they aren’t even walking yet.

The downsides of hand-me-downs are numerous:

Cushioning and support may already be partially (or completely) worn out.

Previously worn shoes often “conform” to the foot shape of the original owner, which can create painful pressure and friction spots when worn by a different set of feet.

Sharing shoes can easily spread infections like athlete’s foot and warts from kid to kid.

Although we sympathize with parents who have to buy shoes three or four times (or more) per year to keep up with a growth spurt, buying new is always the way to go if you want to protect your little one’s feet.

Summer Shoes Need to Breathe … But Don’t Give Up That Support!

Especially during the hotter months, you want to make sure your child’s feet stay as cool and dry as possible. That way, they’re less likely to develop problems like blisters, athlete’s foot, and foul odor.

For closed toed shoes, look for fabric uppers that are made from more breathable materials like mesh, leather, or canvas.

Of course, in summertime many kids and adults prefer sandals. That’s totally fine! However, you should not sacrifice support and comfort. The best sandals have good built-in arch support, thick soles, and a comfortable adjustable strap for the back of the heel. Flimsy flip flops will just hurt your child’s feet and may even make them more prone to injury.

Keep an Eye on The Shoes—and Your Kids!

Earlier, we said that you should be checking the fit of your child’s shoes every couple of weeks. It’s worth re-iterating!

Be proactive about this—don’t necessarily wait for your little one to tell you that their shoes feel tight! In addition to feeling for the toes with your fingers, other obvious signs of a shoe that’s too small or doesn’t fit include:

Bulging sides

Stressed seams

Worn down soles (or uneven wear)

A toe box that appears bent upward

Your child constantly trying to pull their shoes off

Your child’s feet appearing reddish and irritated

Shop Later in the Day (and Other Quick Tips)

Here’s a handy tip that might surprise you.

Feet don’t actually stay exactly the same size from sunup to sundown. Typically, they swell a little bit from the day’s activities and reach their largest size sometime in the evening, before “shrinking” back down overnight.

Obviously, you want to make sure your child’s shoes fit nicely all day long, and not just in the morning! Shopping in the late afternoon or evening, when feet are a little larger than normal, can help ensure that this is the case.

Some other quick shopping tips:

Your child should always participate in the shopping experience—it’s extremely important that they have the chance to try the fit for themselves. Just because a shoe is the “right size” doesn’t mean it fits.

The thickness of your child’s socks will affect the fit. Shoes should always be tested with the same style of socks that will be worn with those shoes regularly.

Measure both feet. It’s common for one to be a little larger than the other. Buy a pair that will fit the larger of the two.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help!

Armed with these tips, we hope that finding shoes for your little ones this summer will be a smooth process—or at least as smooth as it can be, given the unusual circumstances we find ourselves in.

That being said, simply finding a good pair of shoes may not always be enough to prevent or mitigate a source of foot and ankle pain. When kids have problems with their feet, it’s important to get them the help that they need promptly, so that they don’t continue to hurt themselves—and so that, if there are more serious underlying issues, they can be addressed before causing consequences later in life.

We love working with kids, and provide comprehensive care for many pediatric foot and ankle conditions. If your child is in pain, let us help! Whether they need professional treatment or just a better pair of shoes, we’ll be sure to get you the proper guidance you need.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/picking-the-right-shoes-for-your-child-this-summer.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-195428Thu, 04 Jun 2020 13:30:00 ESTAt Advanced Foot & Ankle, we don’t think anybody should ever be forced to drive for hours to get exceptional foot and ankle care, regardless of where they live.

So if you make your home in or around Gooding, Idaho, we have some fantastic news! Instead of making your way all the way up to Boise, you can turn the other way and see us in Twin Falls instead! Accessible, high-caliber foot and ankle care (using cutting-edge research and technology) is waiting for you there.

Dr. Matt Wettstein is the Magic Valley’s go-to expert when it comes to advanced, personalized, and independent podiatric care. Many of our current patients make their homes in Gooding—and we hope you’ll make us your top choice, too!

Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Care

Dr. Wettstein specializes in all aspects of skin and nail care. If you think all podiatrists do is “chip and clip,” we’re sorry to say you’ve been misinformed! We can help you with almost anything that’s gone wrong with your feet and ankles, including:

Heel pain. Dull or sharp, constant or all the time, heel pain can really keep you from living your best life. We’ll diagnose the fundamental causes and then help you neutralize them.

Sports injuries. Dr. Wettstein is a runner himself, so he knows the agony of a sports injury—and how important it is to get back to full strength safely and quickly. From trauma care to overuse injuries like shin splints and stress fractures, we can help.

Bunions. If you seek care early enough, most mild to moderate bunions can be managed successfully without surgery. We’ll help you examine your options carefully and make a wise decision.

Diabetic foot care. Feet are often one of the first and hardest-hit parts of the body by diabetic complications. We will help you stay on top of your care so you can prevent or manage complications like nerve damage, circulatory problems, ulcers, and infections.

Skin and nail care. It’s a mistake to conclude that skin and nail problems are merely cosmetic irritations. It’s important for feet to look and feel their best, and we’ll troubleshoot common problems like ingrown toenails, fungal infections, cracked skin, and more.

State-of-the-Art, Evidence-Based Treatment Options

Advanced Foot & Ankle is more than just a name. It’s a promise to our patients that we’ll always continue to keep our practice up-to-date with current breakthroughs in research, treatment protocols and techniques, and state-of-the-art technology.

One example? We offer MLS laser therapy, a revolutionary tool that can greatly accelerate the pace of pain relief and tissue healing after an injury or operation. It’s quick, simple, completely painless, has no known side effects, and can produce dramatic results—all without drugs or surgery.

And that’s just one example. We’re always looking for new, evidence-based and scientifically proven treatments and tools we can bring to Twin Falls. We want to make sure you have access to the best care available—not just in the Magic Valley, but anywhere.

Independent, Patient-Focused, and Personalized

Advanced Foot & Ankle is an independent office. We’re not employed by the local hospitals or part of a larger group, yet still a firmly established practice with a solid reputation within the local health care community.

This independence frees us from some of the bureaucratic red tape that can, unfortunately, delay or prevent patients from the care they truly need. Because we handle everything in-house, we have greater flexibility to offer you the exact, personalized treatment options we think will work best for your unique circumstances. And we can work with you financially to help ensure that care remains accessible and affordable.

Now Accepting New Patients!

Our patients travel to our office from homes throughout the Magic Valley and Southern Idaho—very much including Gooding. We hope you’ll decide to make us your primary foot and ankle provider, too!

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (208) 731-6321, or reach out to us using the convenient contact form on this page.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/library/exceptional-foot-ankle-care-near-gooding-idaho.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-131709Mon, 04 May 2020 13:03:00 ESTAt Advanced Foot & Ankle, we believe that everyone should have easy access to exceptional quality foot and ankle care, regardless of where they live.

So if you happen to live in or near Wendell, Idaho, we have some great news for you. You don’t have to go all the way to Boise to receive the highest caliber of medical care for your foot pain. It’s all waiting for you, just a few miles down the road in Twin Falls.

Dr. Matt Wettstein has been a leader in the Magic Valley medical community when it comes to providing high quality, personalized, and independent foot and ankle care. Many Wendell residents have already made us their top choice, and we’d love the opportunity to serve you and your family, too!

Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Care

A podiatrist is a physician who specializes in all aspects of foot and ankle care. We’re not just talking skin and nails here—although that’s certainly part of it! If you are having any problems with any part of your feet or ankles, we can help. That includes:

Heel pain. Whether your pain is dull or sharp, constant or intermittent, or located under or behind the heel, we’ll identify the primary causes and help you get rid of them.

Sports injuries. Dr. Wettstein is a runner, so he knows how important it is to stay active. From trauma care to overuse injuries like shin splints and stress fractures, we can help.

Bunions. Mild bunions can often be managed conservatively, while more severe ones may require a surgical correction. We’ll help you make an informed choice so you can eliminate the pain and return to your favorite activities.

Diabetic foot care. Diabetes is extremely dangerous for feet, and unchecked complications can lead to nerve damage, circulatory problems, foot wounds, and sometimes even amputation. We specialize in helping our patients identify and deal with these problems early, so they can maintain active lifestyles.

Skin and nail care. Skin and nail problems are often more than mere cosmetic concerns. We help our patients continue to look and feel their best, and provide solutions for ingrown toenails, fungal infections, cracked heels, and more.

State-of-the-Art, Evidence-Based Treatment Options

Why do we call ourselves “Advanced” Foot & Ankle? It isn’t just a buzzword, or trying to appear at the top of an alphabetized list. It represents our commitment to keep our practice up-to-date with latest advances in research, treatment protocols, and treatment technology.

This includes, for example, MLS laser therapy, a revolutionary high-tech method for accelerated pain relief and tissue healing. This is a quick, simple, and painless treatment method that has produced really dramatic results for our patients, helping them overcome even very severely painful and chronic issues without the need for drugs or surgery.

We are always looking for new evidence-based treatments and tools we can bring to Twin Falls to help our patients get the absolute best care available—not just in the Magic Valley, but anywhere. If we offer something as a treatment option, you can rest assured that it’s something backed by the scientific and medical communities with a solid track record of delivering real results.

Independent, Patient-Focused, and Personalized

Unlike most health care specialists and providers, we aren’t employed by the local hospitals. We’re an independent office that’s firmly established within the local health care community.

This allows us to be nimble and flexible, avoiding the red tape that delays or sometimes even prevents patients from getting the care they need, when they need it. We handle everything in-house, meaning we are truly free to offer our patients the exact, personalized treatments they need, quickly and efficiently, and can work with you financially to ensure that care is affordable.

Now Accepting New Patients!

Our patients come from communities throughout the Magic Valley and Southern Idaho—including Wendell. We’d be honored to have the opportunity to serve you and your family, too!

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (208) 731-6321, or reach out to us using our convenient contact form at the bottom of this page.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/library/exceptional-foot-ankle-care-near-wendell-idaho.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-131254Wed, 01 Apr 2020 08:34:00 ESTIt’s a common belief among the general public that every bunion will ultimately require surgery. And unfortunately, many bunions do eventually reach that point, especially if they are not well cared for during their earlier stages.

But here’s the truth: surgery is not an inevitable consequence of developing a bunion. Many people don’t need it yet. With proper management, some people may never need it.

There’s another side to this coin, however. While we’d always recommend that you pursue conservative care whenever possible, if you do need surgery, you really shouldn’t wait very long to get it. Your bunion will continue to worsen, putting you through unnecessary pain. Ultimately, you may even end up requiring a much more significant surgical procedure.

So, being able to tell when you’ve crossed over the line into needing surgery is an important skill to develop! The exact position of that line may be slightly different depending on the individual, but there are some basic guidelines that we recommend.

The Role of Non-Surgical Bunion Care

It’s important to understand that bunions are a progressive condition—meaning that they really don’t get better with time, and tend to get worse. In other words, once your bunion bump is there, it’s there unless and until you remove or realign it surgically.

That said, when you take action early enough, non-surgical remedies are often extremely effective at:

Alleviating your present symptoms

Preventing the development of future symptoms

Slowing (or even halting) the rate at which your bunions get worse

We strongly recommend that you fully exhaust all non-surgical avenues to prevent and alleviate your bunion pain before the thought of surgery even enters your mind. While they won’t make the bump go away, the goal is to mitigate the effects so you can live your life to the fullest.

Wearing custom orthotics to further cushion and support the feet (and keep pressure away from the unstable bunion joint).

Using nonmedicated bunion pads to protect and cushion the bunion against pressure and friction from the inside of your shoe.

Splinting the misaligned toe.

Pain management strategies such as icing, using over-the-counter NSAIDs, a cortisone injection, or laser therapy.

Finding the Line

So how do you know when you’ve reached the point where surgery should be considered? As we said, these recommendations are made on a case-by-case basis, but in general we would recommend surgery if your case fits the following descriptions:

You’ve given conservative treatments a solid try for at least a few months, and they aren’t working. In some cases, we might skip this step if you don’t see us until your bunion is very severe (as in, the big toe is crossing over the second one). But for the most part, we will strongly urge you to fully exhaust your nonsurgical remedies. We do not recommend you get bunion surgery purely for cosmetic reasons, if conservative treatments can provide relief.

You are experiencing daily pain, OR your pain is keeping you from activities that are especially important to you. Here is where that “case by case” component comes in. Perhaps your bunion isn’t bothering you during your normal daily activities, but is making a favorite activity like hiking or rock climbing impossible. Some people may be fine with simply switching to a different, less painful hobby. For others, the very thought may seem inconceivable!

Ultimately, it’s really about your quality of life. If your bunions are preventing you from truly living and enjoying your life to the fullest, and you’ve run out of conservative remedies to try, then it’s time to take the next step.

Exploring Surgical Options

Another important point we need to make here: even though surgery is generally thought of as a “last resort,” that does not mean you should be afraid of taking that next step.

On the contrary, surgery can represent a much more complete and longer-lasting solution—and one that will allow you to fully return to the activities you used to love.

Potential surgical approaches include:

Osteotomy – Cuts and realigns the joint; often combined with tendon or ligament repair to help hold the bones in the proper position

Arthrodesis – removes parts of the joint surface that are damaged; uses screws, plates, wires to hold bones in place as they heal

Resection arthroplasty – often used in arthritic patients; removes damaged part of joint, allowing scar tissue to form a flexible joint.

Exostectomy – removes the part of the bone that protrudes; does not correct the basic cause of the deformity; only used if the toe has not drifted

Once we examine your bunion and the extent of your deformity, we will discuss with you the type of surgery we believe will bring the best result—based on factors such as your age, health status, and lifestyle goals. We’ll also explain what you will need to do before the operation, the anesthesia likely to be used, and what you can expect during recovery.

Managing Your Expectations

Bunion surgery typically will restore the shape of your foot to a more “normal” appearance in addition to alleviating your symptoms. While recurrence of the bunion later in life is possible, surgery is meant to be a long-term (and ideally permanent) solution.

However, it’s important to remember that the main goals of surgery, first and foremost, are to:

Relieve pain

Allow you to walk and engage in your favorite activities normally again

What this means is that, even after surgery, you may still need to wear orthotics regularly, wear wider shoes, avoid high heels, etc. in order to keep the pain away and prevent a recurrence of your symptoms.

We will, of course, make sure you are prepared with all the information you need about the chosen procedure, expected outcomes, and recovery timetables to make an informed decision about your bunion care.

Call Advanced Foot and Ankle today to discuss your options for your misaligned big toe today. Dial (208)-731-6321 for our office in Twin Falls, ID, or (208)-312-4646 to reach us in Burley, or request an appointment on our website.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-you-need-bunion-surgery.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-169517Mon, 17 Feb 2020 10:24:00 ESTThe shape of things is this: your structure has a lot to say about how well you function—especially in your feet and ankles.

Even simple locomotion requires engaging a multitude of bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and other tissues within each foot. Everything is networked to provide great endurance and range of motion—and if you haven’t really stopped to think about that… then it likely means everything is doing its job right!

When something is off in musculoskeletal structure, however, you will likely start to feel it. Foot pain might strike first thing in the morning. Days at work might seem a lot longer, and fatigue sets in a lot earlier. You might not want to go that extra mile (literally) whether you are out for a run or just walking around the mall.

Problems from an abnormal foot structure can siphon a lot away from you over time. They can affect your fitness, your satisfaction at work, and how you spend your recreational time. All of this together can have a big impact on your overall happiness and quality of life.

When such issues arise, our goal is always to get you back to enjoying life, with pain and discomfort causing as little interruption as possible (and ideally, we want that pain to be gone altogether!).

There are multiple approaches to addressing chronic or frequent pain in the heels, arches, or other areas of the foot. When a structural problem is present, the use of custom orthotics will very likely be a consideration. That’s because orthotics do a great job of providing support and control where flaws in structure require some extra help.

An Imbalance of Forces in Your Feet

Gravity sends all forces downward, and that compounds the weight our feet must bear. For every pound we weigh, about 4 pounds of pressure end up distributed across each foot. And that exists with every step we take.

That pressure all adds up, but our feet are made to handle it well—that is, unless, something is off with our foot structure.

When there is an existing abnormality within the foot, such as flat feet or high arches, it can shift the distribution of weight across the foot. This can lead to an excess of pressure and stress in certain areas that were not built to take on that much of a burden for extended periods of time.

Changes in structure can also affect the way one walks, further disrupting the way weight is handled over the feet. One common example is overpronation, in which the foot rolls too far inward when walking.

An uneven distribution of weight and abnormalities in motion can lead to chronic discomfort and increased fatigued. It can also increase the risk of sports injuries over time. The more weight applied, the greater the risk.

How Custom Orthotics Restore Order

Custom orthotics address this issue by providing support to areas in need and a countering influence to help redistribute weight more naturally across the foot.

An ideal foot structure is exact, which is why custom-made orthotics are made to very specific specifications. The process involves making a mold of a patient’s feet, and then prescribing very precise parameters for our trusted lab to create.

The materials used, their thickness, and their location within an orthotic insert will all depend directly on the patient’s foot and the problem(s) that need to be addressed. This means no two pair of orthotics are the same. Each is prescribed to one patient much like corrective lenses are prescribed only to one person’s eyes.

Custom orthotics may be recommended on their own, or as part of a comprehensive plan for relief. Depending on the case, we might also recommend:

Changes in footwear

Changes in workout routines and/or work environment

Simple stretches and exercises to further strengthen and support stressed areas

We will happily discuss all available options with you, as well as why we may recommend some over others.

What Custom Orthotics Can Mean for You

To think that custom orthotics can just relieve pain is selling them short.

As we delved into earlier, foot pain can have many additional consequences: fatigue, irritability, and a drop in willpower, to name a few. By providing relief, custom orthotics reopen you to better pursue the passions and enjoyments of life.

If heel pain has been ruining your desire to run, for example, a good treatment plan that includes orthotics can get you back to hitting your routes. And the more you move, the better conditioned and healthier you can be, improving how you feel all the more!

If foot or ankle pain has been a consistent thorn in your side, don’t delay any further in getting the help you deserve. Call (208) 731-6321 to schedule an appointment in either of our offices in Twin Falls or Burley, and take the first step toward a more comfortable life.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/how-orthotics-can-help-you-shape-up-in-more-ways-than-one-.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-192575Wed, 15 Jan 2020 07:46:00 ESTWinter can come with its fair share of challenges. Feeling shortchanged on hours of daylight can really affect your mood over time, and sliding your car hood-first into a snowbank can affect your mood immediately.

While it may be impossible to prevent every potential seasonal misfortune out there, investing just a little time and consideration can help you avoid the majority of them—and help you feel a lot more comfortable while doing so!

Take the following winter foot care tips into consideration, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or need help with a particular foot or ankle issue.

Make Sure Your Boots Fit Your Feet

If boots only tend to be a winter thing for you, it can be easy to keep donning the same pair year after year. That might not be best for your feet, however.

Our feet still change a bit from year to year, even as adults. Additionally, the quality of footwear can degrade over time even when they are not being worn. That 3-year-old pair of boots in your closet might not be fitting your feet well or providing you the support and warmth you need.

Boots that are too tight for your feet are not just uncomfortable, but can also restrict circulation. This can make you become cold faster in normal conditions, but also decrease your resistance to frostbite in extreme ones.

On the other side of things, shoes that are too large for your feet will increase movement and friction within them, making you more vulnerable to blisters, calluses, and corns.

In addition to a good fit, proper winter boots should also be composed of waterproof materials. That keeps outside wetness from getting in, although it’s not the full picture on moisture.

Keep Your Feet (and Footwear) Dry…

Keeping feet in winter boots can lead to more sweating. It’s that eternal tradeoff of keeping warm and not getting swampfoot.

Wet feet naturally chill more easily, and excess sweat can make foot odor and bacterial infections more likely. Keeping your feet and boots dry on the inside will go a long way toward preventing these factors.

First consideration: your socks. You want warmth, certainly, but look for moisture-wicking properties as well. Cotton and wool can be good candidates, although certain synthetic blends also work well.

No matter what kinds of materials you’re wearing, though, you should give them time to dry out after spending a day in them. Have at least two pairs of boots so you can switch between them, giving the previous pair at least 24 hours to air out. Investing in a boot dryer can also help get moisture out faster. Without moisture, bacteria that creates odor and sometimes even an infection will not have as much to live off of.

…And Then Keep Your Feet from Drying Out

Sweating is a potential issue, but so is your feet drying out. (We told you winter wasn’t easy.)

Heating elements can make for drier conditions, and taking long, steaming showers can also dry you out as well. Your feet in particular can suffer from dryness due to having fewer oil glands to lock moisture in. Dryness leads to discomfort, but can also lead to painful cracking and an increased risk of infection.

Using a moisturizer on your feet is a good way to keep dryness at bay. The best time to apply some is when your feet have just been damp, so after a shower is an ideal opportunity. You don’t need anything fancy, either. A simple moisturizer with ingredients such as glycerin, urea, and propylene glycol—among others—can be effective. If you have any questions about what would be best for your particular situation, though, we’ll be happy to help!

Prepare for Active Protection

You don’t have to necessarily hang up your outdoor running routine once winter rolls around, but you should be cautious about the conditions.

If your terrain tends to get icy sometimes, you might want to pick up a pair of spikes that slip on over your shoes. These can add traction in icy spots, and can be easily removed if the pavement clears.

Also, the shoes themselves should be as water resistant as possible, including having little to no mesh. Nothing worse than stepping in a slush puddle and having to deal with that for the next few kilometers.

No matter what you are wearing, be mindful as you run. Don’t expect to hit many personal bests when it’s cold and snowy out. Be more patient with yourself, take time to warm up properly before you even head outside (you’ll stay warmer that way and sweat less), and use a shorter stride for more stability in unstable terrain—even if you’re wearing spikes on your shoes.

Your Destination for Winter Foot Care (and All Other Seasons, Too)

Your feet might not feel like a priority when you’re rushing through winter, but the effort of caring for them well is absolutely worth it.

If you run into any problems—no matter when—our offices in Burley and Twin Falls are here to help. Schedule an appointment at either of our locations by calling (208) 731-6321. ​You may also fill out our online contact form with any questions or appointment requests, and a member of our staff will reach out to you during office hours.]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/your-easy-guide-to-winter-foot-care.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-192301Mon, 23 Dec 2019 12:40:00 ESTAn ankle injury can put a stop to just about anything fast. A sudden rush of pain and a sudden, hobbling loss of stability is all it takes to demand a time out—and that’s definitely what you should take!

All Ankle Injuries Should Receive the Same Initial Attention

We tend to place fractures on a higher pedestal than sprains. The thought of a broken bone can make someone more squeamish than a sprain, and that seems perfectly normal.

The truth, however, is that both types of injuries can cause you long-term trouble if they are not taken care of properly. A broken bone that doesn’t heal well can interfere with mobility, of course, but a ligament that doesn’t heal properly can cause chronic ankle instability and a much higher likelihood of further injuries in the future.

Any ankle injury you sustain should be treated with the same kind of delicate attention. Even if you have some clues, you don’t know exactly what may have happened in the moment.

Your first course of action for an ankle injury is always to stop. Do not continue to bear weight upon the ankle at all, if possible, and absolutely do not try to “walk it off” and keep participating in running or any sports! Doing so only risks your injury becoming even worse, and that only means more pain and potentially longer recovery times for you.

Once you have put a stop to your activity, it is a good idea to follow standard RICE protocol:

REST – Keep weight off your injured ankle as much as possible. This is most crucial for the first 48 hours following an injury, and can significantly impact the level of pain, swelling, and bruising you experience.

ICE – Further reduce pain and swelling with the use of cold therapy. Apply an ice pack (a bag of frozen vegetables will work in a pinch) for up to 20 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first couple days of the injury. Note: never apply ice or a pack directly to your skin; wrap it in a thin towel or some other barrier first to avoid damaging your skin.

COMPRESSION – This one is more difficult to accomplish, so it can be skipped if you are not confident in it. Wrap your ankle in an elastic or ACE bandage to help further address swelling. The wrap must be snug but not so tight that it restricts blood flow. If your skin starts to feel cold or numb, or turns blue, loosen the bandage.

ELEVATE – Keep your ankle above the level of your heart to reduce pain and swelling. This is as easy as propping your leg up on some pillows while on the couch or in bed.

You might have noticed the big emphasis on reducing pain and swelling. This is not only to keep you comfortable, but to help shorten your recovery time as well.

How Advanced Foot and Ankle Can Help

Regardless of what type of ankle injury you have (or believe you have), it is always best to give us a call and let us know what happened, as well as your symptoms. If it sounds like a mild sprain, we may suggest home care. However, if there is any reason to believe there may be a complication, we will ask you to come in for an evaluation.

Either way, we will have a record of the injury. If problems do start developing in the future, we will have your history available to assist in making decisions on how to address them.

Depending upon the type of injury and its severity, we may recommend different forms of treatment.

For an ankle sprain, we will almost certainly recommend continued rest and avoidance of activity to allow the strained ligament to recover. A brace, boot, or crutches may be provided to immobilize the ankle, if needed.

Our MLS Laser Therapy can also be a valuable tool in many cases. This form of therapy uses light energy to stimulate the body’s own natural recovery processes in the area of a soft tissue injury, increasing blood flow and cellular repair activity. Sprains are often a responsive form of injury for this technique.

An ankle fracture might require some manipulation and adjustment to set the bone, followed by immobilization with a splint or cast. Recovery will be monitored over the following weeks to make sure things are healing properly.

In either case of a severe sprain or severe fracture, surgery may be necessary to properly repair a ligament or set a bone in place. We will be sure to fully discuss the extent of a surgical procedure with you, and what you can expect afterward in terms of recovery.

In the case of either injury, physical therapy may be recommended as part of rehabilitation. This is to strengthen the muscles and tissues surrounding the joint and reconditioning it to get it back to original function as much as possible.

Help for Hurting Ankles in Twin Falls and Burley

When it comes to your ankle health, erring on the side of caution is always recommended. Your ankles are the foundation of your locomotion, and we can help you keep moving and avoid future complications as much as possible.

Schedule an appointment at either of our two offices by calling (208) 731-6321. If you would rather contact us electronically, our online form is always open.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/what-are-your-options-for-treating-an-ankle-injury-.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-191646Wed, 06 Nov 2019 11:09:00 ESTWe understand that life can be difficult. There are things that will arise that you can’t really do anything about, and the best path is simply enduring them and continuing onward with a stiff upper lip.

Heel pain may have been a consistent accompaniment to your day for months or years now. You might consider it a “consequence” of your work (which might unfortunately be something else you feel you’re forced to endure).

But regardless of time and circumstances, believing there is nothing you can do about your heel pain is a sucker’s wager. Even if you have tried one or two methods in the past that haven’t worked, we still have high confidence that something can be done.

Why? Because there are a multitude of options for treating heel pain, and nearly all patients find significant improvement—if not full relief—through one of them.

The Right Tools for the Job

Now, this is not to say that treating heel pain is a matter of throwing everything against the wall and seeing what sticks.

When receiving help for heel pain, you should never feel like a guinea pig in some grand experiment. If you have tried some previously unsuccessful treatments off a store shelf or your aunt’s Facebook feed, you likely already know how disheartening this is!

The reason why there are so many different routes to take for heel pain treatment is that there are so many different ways heel pain can develop. Not every method of treatment will be the best for each particular cause, and some will not even be effective at all.

To determine what treatment is best for you, we need to get to the bottom of what is actually causing your discomfort.

At Advanced Foot & Ankle, we get to the root of the problem on a fundamental level, using modern tools and years of expertise. From there, we can begin to craft a treatment plan—but we can still use more information.

An effective course of treatment must not only address the problem at hand; it must also do so in a way that works as well with a patient’s lifestyle as possible. There may be some necessary adjustments, yes, but a treatment should interfere with what you love and need to do in your life as little as possible.

What Types of Heel Pain Treatment Options Are Available?

A heel pain treatment plan can consist of simple, time-tested methods or new technologies. It can even contain a mix, depending on the circumstances.

While we will go over a number of different forms of treatment, it’s important to once again note that this isn’t a menu to just pick and choose as pleased. We must conduct a full evaluation and review your individual needs before making recommendations of the treatments that are most likely to have an effect.

Rest, ice, and elevation. You might recognize these methods from the “RICE” protocol for treating a sports injury, and it remains good advice in certain situations. Sometimes, the best treatment for an aching heel is giving the body opportunity to recover on its own.

Changes in footwear. If your shoes are not providing the type of support you need, a change to more accommodating footwear can make a huge difference. This may mean reducing the height of your heels, or switching to athletic shoes that are designed for better controlling the mechanics of your feet and ankles.

Custom orthotics. There are times when a change in footwear may not provide enough cushioning and support for a patient. Custom orthotics are inserts that can be prescribed exactly as a patient needs for their foot structure, providing much more direct and personalized support and relief.

Physical therapy. These can come in the form of exercises and stretches that can strengthen certain tissues or condition muscles to exert less stress on strained areas.

MLS laser therapy. When some conditions include injuries to soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles, MLS laser therapy can be an effective means of accelerating the body’s natural healing and pain relief capabilities. Laser therapy sessions would be conducted over a scheduled series, and the results of the treatment tend to stack over time, providing greater and greater effects.

Changes in environment. When possible, a change in the world you have to stand in can also provide some support. If you spend all day on the job standing in one place, for example, we may suggest taking a few minutes each hour to move, or placing a cushioned anti-fatigue mat beneath your feet for some stress relief. Of course, this may heavily depend on the demands and policies of your job.

Some suggested plans may include only one of the above options, or several.

Also keep in mind that surgery might become a consideration if the above methods would fail to provide the results you need. This happens only in rare circumstances, however. In most cases, conservative treatments such as those above have served their purposes well, providing significant relief and recovery.

Find the Right Treatment for Your Heel Pain

Providing treatment for heel pain is not a process where we just hustle patients through and throw something at them to try. It’s something we want to get right the first time whenever possible. Sometimes the human body still manages to throw surprises our way, as they do all professionals; but when they do, we strive to adjust and revise treatment quickly.

If heel pain has been a thorn in your day-to-day life, do not wait any longer to get the attention you deserve. Give us a call at (208) 731-6321 to schedule an appointment at our offices in Twin Falls or Burley. Or simply connect with us online via our handy contact form.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/heel-pain-treatment-options.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-191192Fri, 04 Oct 2019 09:33:00 ESTWith the exception of shady individuals wishing to commit insurance fraud, nobody ever plans on injuring their ankle. And if and when it does happen, one is rarely in a great position for self-diagnosis.

You might be out on a run, charging down the court, or simply going from point A to point B during your day. All it takes is one wrong hit, one small obstacle in your way, or one small misstep to bring on a flash of pain. And right after that, the big question usually pops into mind:

What did I just do to my ankle?!

Any sort of injury to an ankle can be frightening, because it’s a swift and humbling reminder of just how much we these joints to get around. The fear of “just how bad” it is can be very real, and it is natural to think in two terms: sprains and breaks.

Knowing the difference between an ankle sprain and a broken ankle can be very useful—and we will be getting into that shortly—but it is even more important to have the right general mindset toward ankle injuries as a whole.

Both Sprains and Breaks Need Attention

Before we even get into the differences between the ways broken and sprained ankles present themselves, we need to talk about the way we tend to put these injuries in a hierarchy of severity.

Yes, it is true that many ankle sprains are minor and can be treated well enough at home. It is also true that most ankle fractures are going to require professional intervention of some kind. However, this is no excuse to treat all ankle sprains as nothing to be too concerned about.

Any sprain that does not heal properly can have lasting negative effects on that joint, much like any broken ankle that does not fully heal. An ankle sprain that weakens the joint can lead to instability and a higher risk of future ankle injuries. A vicious cycle can quickly develop that leads to chronic pain and problems.

What does this mean for you, then? It means you should never hesitate to contact us anytime you injure your ankle, no matter how minor you think it may be! While it’s possible that we’ll only recommend a few simple self-care instructions, ensuring you get the right level of care you require regardless of injury severity is critically important.

Tips for Determining a Sprain or a Break

So when you do call us, it’s important to know what kind of information to share with us. Knowing some of the potential differences between a broken ankle and a sprained one can be a help with that.

First, let’s go over the basics. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments surrounding a joint. These are the stretchy tissues that hold the joint in place and help keep it stable. When these tissues are stretched beyond their limits, they can become torn or inflamed, leading to a sprain.

An ankle fracture is, naturally, a break in one or more bones that make up the ankle joint itself. Different types of fractures exist, but there isn’t much more to say about them on a fundamental level.

There is also always the possibility that both the bones and ligaments have suffered damage in an injury. How lucky.

When considering whether your injury is a sprain or a fracture, ask yourself the following:

Did you hear anything when the injury happened? A sprain is more likely to be associated with a “popping” noise, or no sound at all. The sound of a fracture is more like a crack or snap. Of course, if you just got slammed into the ground, you might not have had your ears out and ready to listen for much.

Where is the pain located? Pain in the soft area of the ankle tends to indicate a sprain. If the pain is centered directly over the ankle bone, a fracture is more likely.

Do you have numbness? When a sprain occurs, pain tends to remain consistent. With a fracture, however, the initial flash of pain can sometimes be replaced by a numbness or tingling sensation.

Does your ankle look deformed? If your foot or ankle looks significantly misshapen, then it is more likely a fracture. Do not mistake general swelling for any kind of misshapenness, however, as swelling is common in both cases.

Determining whether you can bear weight and walk on an injury is not something you should be focusing on right after an injury happens. In any case, get weight off the injured ankle as soon as possible. Keeping the ankle elevated and applying ice to the area up to 20 minutes at a time can also help with initial pain and swelling.

Don’t Hold Off on Ankle Care!

Remember, regardless of how severe or minor an ankle injury may feel, we still recommend contacting us about it. Let us know what happened and we can provide you further guidance or a full examination. If necessary, we can get you started on casting, physical therapy, or other treatments such as our advanced laser therapy.

Call (208) 731-6321 to reach our offices in Twin Falls or Burley.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/is-your-ankle-sprained-or-broken-and-what-to-do-either-way-.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-190584Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:23:00 ESTSome of us tend to hold onto things a bit longer than we should. This sort of attraction can be even stronger when it comes to items we wear.

You might live with someone who will not throw away that shirt from summer camp two decades ago until every last atom of it has dissipated into the atmosphere. Heaven help you if they have the same attitude toward their underwear!

But what about your shoes? You might have a faithful, casual pair you love, or a trusty set of running shoes that have carried you over many a mile. They might feel comfortable enough—or you might be used to how they currently feel—so is there really any harm in continuing to use them after some wear and tear?

Unfortunately, there very well can be.

Wrecked Shoes Can Make for Wrecked Feet

Shoes are not just for protecting your feet against sharp rocks, hot asphalt, and discarded pieces of gum. They are good for these things, of course, but they are also looking out for the structure of your feet.

A good pair of shoes provides support and cushioning for the daily stresses of moving and exercising. This includes lessening impacts on the heel and forefoot, and providing support for the arch. Unfortunately, our feet just don’t tend to be conditioned well to take daily running on hard surfaces all on their own.

As we use our shoes, the materials made for cushioning and support get worn down over time. Eventually, they don’t become as effective as they need to be, which can lead to excess stress being placed on parts of the foot.

This is especially likely if there is a structural abnormality in the foot that already shifts extra forces to certain areas. You’ll see these parts of a shoe wear out faster than the rest (and you may benefit greatly from custom orthotics, depending on the case)!

Without support and cushioning, feet are more likely to ache and suffer from overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis or even stress fractures. Refreshing your footwear when needed can help prevent these problems from developing.

How Do I Know When I Need New Shoes?

Not all shoes will wear out at the same rate. Some are made of stronger materials, some receive a much more intense beating from their owners, and so on.

While there are some general timeframes you can find for shoe replacements, it is better to keep an eye on things yourself to determine whether your shoes need replacement sooner or later. Fortunately, these signs are not too difficult to spot.

When considering a pair of running or walking shoes, you can start with a loose guideline that most pairs are built to endure 350-500 miles of use. Of course, unless you’re tracking your mileage or have very consistent routines, this might not mean a whole lot to you. Also be on the lookout for the following:

Check the treads. Just like tires, the treads on your soles should not look worn down. If they do, regardless if it’s just in one or two areas, it’s a sign that your shoes are on their last legs. (However, it can be very helpful to keep an old pair of shoes like this around. Looking at how your treads have worn down is a great way for us to determine any gait or structural abnormalities you may have.)

Wrinkling and creasing. Yes, shoes can develop wrinkles. If you see wrinkles or heavy creases along the sides or bottoms of the soles, it’s a sign that “wear and tear” is leading to a breakdown.

Lack of flatness. If your shoes do not sit flat on the ground or a table, that means some areas have worn down more than others. You will most often find this in the heel area—but wherever that tilt is coming from, it’s time for a new pair of shoes right away.

Ankle deterioration. The bottoms of your shoes are not the only places that withstand regular wear and tear. If the upper portion of your shoes, where your ankles should be receiving support, are looking broken down, it’s important to address that. Ankle stability is always a high priority, and you don’t want to catch yourself unsupported.

Regardless of how your shoes may look on the outside, a good indicator of needing a new pair is how your feet feel within them. Really consider that feeling the next time you go walking or running. If your feet are starting to hurt, it’s time to get a new pair of shoes.

Time Can Take a Toll as Well

Even if you haven’t worn a pair of shoes that often, pure age can sometimes have a significant effect on their stability. Materials can easily dry out, depending on where they’re kept, and quickly degrade.

If you have a pair of shoes that are generally new but haven’t been worn for more than a year, keep a close eye on them and prepare yourself for the potential need to invest in a brand new pair if they start breaking down.

We’ll Keep You Running

If you are unsure about the condition of your shoes, there are two great places that can help:

Your local running store.

Us, your friendly podiatry team!

You should especially see us if your feet or ankles have been consistently in pain, or you notice your shoes are wearing out wildly on one side or end more than another. Addressing these types of problems now can help prevent worse problems in the future.

Call (208) 731-6321 to reach our offices in Twin Falls and Burley, or fill out our online contact form to have a member of our staff reach out to you.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/do-you-need-new-shoes-be-honest-with-yourself-.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-190127Fri, 02 Aug 2019 09:37:00 ESTThe bottoms of the feet might not get as much respect as they deserve. Every day we’re sending them out to scout ahead with every step we take, either crammed into shoes or completely naked and unarmed.

They might get a nice massage once in a while, but that seems barely any compensation for all the stresses we put them through. And when these stresses become too much, we definitely feel it.

From aches at the base of the toes to shooting morning pains in the heel, pain along the bottom of the foot can really make one start to think twice about getting out of bed, let alone moving along with the day!

There are several potential causes of such problems—and we will be going into them a little further here—but one thing is for certain: any persistent pain you feel in your feet that doesn’t clear up after a couple days is not something you should just endure without seeking professional help! Not only will you be miserable, but you may also be risking further complications and extended pain in the future.

And the bottoms of your feet deserve more respect than that, right?

Right.

Now, when we say “the bottom of the foot,” there are at least a couple areas we could be referring to. Let’s take them one at a time.

Pain in the Heel Area

Heel pain is one of the most frequent complaints we hear about from folks coming into our office, so you are far from alone if you suffer from it as well.

One of the most frequent causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This involves the thick band of tissue that runs from the base of your toes to your heel bone, called the plantar fascia. It helps form the arch and redistributes a lot of stress by flexing as you walk. However, too much strain or repetitive stress can cause micro-tears to form in the plantar fascia, leading to pain.

One of the most telling indications of plantar fasciitis is pain that worst as soon as you get out of bed in the morning, or when you start moving after any long period of inactivity. This is because you are making the plantar fascia stretch after resting, and it often takes some time for it to “warm up” again.

Another common cause of heel pain is Achilles tendinitis, the inflammation of the Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. While sometimes this pain is felt farther up the leg, it can also be present where the tendon attaches to the heel bone (aka insertional Achilles tendinitis).

While Achilles tendinitis can also cause some pain and stiffness in the morning, the pain also tends to worsen after activity and becomes really bad the day after activity. If you suspect you have Achilles tendinitis, that’s your cue to stop the activity that’s causing it until you can come in to see us!

Pain in the Arch Area

This is pain right in the center of the foot, between the heel and the ball of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis can also be a prime suspect here, as it is a significant part of the arch. It is also possible for tendons in the area to become inflamed—in this case, it would likely be the posterior tibial tendon or the peroneal tendon.

In many cases of foot pain, and arch pain especially, it is important to look for structural abnormalities such as flat feet/fallen arches. Such abnormalities can shift the way that weight is distributed across the feet, creating excess strain and stress in certain areas.

Pain in the Ball of the Foot

This is the area right at the base of your toes, or what you stand on when you “tiptoe.”

There is a general term for pain in the ball of the foot: metatarsalgia. This is in relation to the metatarsals, or the longer bones that make up the structure of the toes.

Metatarsalgia is an encompassing term that can be related to a number of causes, including overuse injuries (i.e. too much stress or impact against the area), structural abnormalities, excess weight, and other factors.

A condition more specific to this area is Morton’s neuroma, which is a benign growth of tissue around a nerve, often as a response to stress or irritation against that nerve. The pain from a neuroma can be burning or tingling, and it can also feel like you have a small pebble in your shoe when you step on it.

What to Do About Your Foot Pain

Although there are different potential problems that can be responsible for pain along the bottom of the foot, they also tend to have a number of similarities. And we didn’t even get into problems that can affect just about anywhere, like stress fractures!

Many conditions can be the result of overuse, while others are centered more in structural abnormalities. Some may be a mixture of both, and even additional factors, too.

The good news, however, is that most forms of pain along the bottom of the foot can be treated well, and through conservative methods.

Treatment methods may include:

Rest from certain activities (and we will work with you to find alternative, lower-impact activities during this time).

Stretches, exercises, and other forms of physical therapy to strengthen and condition specific areas of the foot.

Medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

However, to determine the best, most effective plan for your specific situation, we must get to the root of the problem. That requires you to come in and receive a thorough examination. No two causes of pain are exactly alike, and no one treatment plan will be a cure-all for everyone. That’s why we pride ourselves on working closely with patients to find the best ways to meet their individual needs.

Give us a call at (208) 731-6321 to schedule an appointment at our offices in Twin Falls or Burley. If you have additional questions, or would prefer to contact us electronically, please fill out our online contact form and a member of our staff will respond to you.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/what-s-causing-pain-along-the-bottom-of-your-foot-.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-189526Fri, 28 Jun 2019 14:54:00 ESTDedication and drive are an important part of any training regimen. Hard-work and commitment are integral to your success as an athlete in any field, whether that’s swimming, a contact sport, or gymnastics. Running is no exception and we know so many runners who are extremely passionate about their running regimen.

However, staying in shape doesn’t need to be a painful thing!

We get that many of our readers enjoy the struggle and toil of those long, early morning runs and cold treks through the snow, but we always encourage runners to have some fun while they’re out there. With that in mind, we have a list of a few runs in our area for you to prepare for. Planning out your training plan is always a productive part of exercising, but it also gives you something fun to look forward to.

Local Runs—For Training or Racing!

Runners obviously train in a variety of ways. Sure, the basic premise of running—put one foot in front of the other, repeat—is bound to be the same, but people mix it up in different ways. One that is particularly popular is using races (of various distances). This can be done either as part of the actually training regimen or as a goal for the training itself.

No matter how you might like to use them, here are three upcoming runs in our community that you might enjoy participating in:

#1 The Outlaw Trail Run

This run is particularly near and dear to our hearts. It’s one of our personal favorites, as our own Dr. Wettstein always tries to run it (whenever he’s able to do so). On top of that, the run also supports a great cause, with fifteen percent of proceeds going to support the Xavier Middle and High School cross-country teams.

Please note that the Outlaw Trail Run is an ultra half-marathon. So what does that mean? Well, anything longer than 13.1 miles qualifies as an “ultra half.” This particular ultra half-marathon will be about 14.5 miles and take you through some great countryside here in Twin Falls. (Essentially, The Outlaw is just about 1.5 miles longer than a normal half-marathon.)

The Outlaw Trail Run will be held August 10th, but it’s important to know that this race is capped. Only the first 400 entrants are able to compete, so make sure you register early!

(Register by July 27th to receive a free shirt promoting the event and we hope to see you there!)

Overflow parking will be just south of the Diamondfield Jack Camp Ground near Twin Fall. Head to the Outlaw Trail Run site for more detailed directions.

#2 Dusk to Dawn

Are you looking for a different running atmosphere? Consider the Dusk to Dawn on June 28th-29th!

This race is unique because it occurs almost entirely at night, in a deep canyon just east of Twin Falls (around beautiful Dierkes Lake). Don’t be concerned about safety while running at night—you’ll have a headlamp and there will be regular check points.

Costumes are also encouraged! (Just make sure that they’re appropriate.)

With sprint, ultra 10k and ultra half-marathon options, this race is open to runners of all levels—beginners to seasoned running veterans.

#3 Spudman Triathlon

Ok, so this is cheating a little bit. A triathlon isn’t wholly a run, but it does include running, so we’re going to count it.

The Burley Lions Club will be putting on this event—on July 27th—that features both sprint and Olympic options. And for the benefit of those of you who aren’t well-versed in triathlon distances, here’s how that breaks down:

You’ll still have the option of the original 1.5K swim in the Snake river, 40k bike ride, and 10k run in Burley. (That’s a standard Olympic triathlon.)

However, this year participants will also have the option of entering into the Spudman Sprint. This will provide the same order and events, just in slightly different distances. Participants will swim 750 meters, bike 20 KM, and run 5K.

As with the Outlaw Trail Run, the Spudman Sprint is capped. This one is a bit more exclusive, though, as it will only be open to the first 250 participants. So be sure to register early if you’re interested!

Race Running Tips

These are some great and exciting races in southern Idaho, but we would like to encourage you to go away from this post with a couple of quick running tips to keep you safe. Lower your risk of foot and ankle injuries by:

Gradually increasing your distance when training to prevent overuse injuries. We would recommend no more than 10% increase in distance or speed. Of course, this is basically a rule of thumb, but we’d still advise that you try not to exceed it.

Taking breaks if you suffer from heel pain or soft tissue injuries. A few days of rest or cross-training will help keep your heel pain from becoming worse.

Investing in a good pair of running shoes. Pay attention to your specific foot structure and arches for best results.

Coming in to see us! As runners ourselves, we know that plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and ankle sprains are par for the course when you’re preparing for a challenging race.

Professional Treatment for Any Foot or Ankle Running Injury!

Let’s be honest; these are not easy races. Normal wear and tear is bound to happen, even if you have the best training plan. Contact us today if you run into any issues while training. We might recommend our groundbreaking MLS laser, custom orthotics, or any number of treatment options. Call us at 208-731-6321 for more details.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/3-great-runs-in-southern-idaho-that-you-shouldn-t-miss-.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-188301Thu, 25 Apr 2019 15:14:00 ESTIf you live in or around Burley and need professional care for a foot or ankle problem, Advanced Foot & Ankle is here for you!

It does not matter how long you have been suffering from pain, foot deformities, or other stubborn conditions. Dr. Matt Wettstein and our staff can help you with the best ways to manage or completely eliminate your problems for good.

A Full Range of Foot and Ankle Expertise

There are many common conditions people face on a daily basis. We have years of experience in handling these problems, but we are also adept at diagnosing and treating less common problems.

In other words, if something is wrong with your foot or ankle, we are very likely able to do something about it!

Conditions we see and treat regularly include, but are not limited to:

Heel Pain (including plantar fasciitis)

Sports Injuries (including Achilles tendinitis and stress fractures)

Ankle Sprains

Ingrown Toenails

Flat Feet

Fungal Toenail Infections

Plantar Warts

Whenever a patient comes in, we take time to listen to their concerns and perform a thorough examination. The best recommendations for treatment come only when knowing the exact root of the problem and the needs and goals of the patient.

The Best Treatments in Burley

Different forms of treatment will have different rates of effectiveness based on the condition in need of treatment, a patient’s lifestyle, and other factors. If we believe conservative methods will be ideal, however, we will always go with them first.

Types of treatments you may find at our office include:

Custom Orthotics. When a problem is caused by an abnormality in foot structure, or excess force needs to be removed from a specific area of the foot, custom orthotic inserts can provide the relief a patient needs. Each insert is prescribed specifically based on the shape of the patient’s foot, much like glasses are prescribed only for a certain pair of eyes.

Laser Therapy for Pain. Our Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light energy to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Often used for sports injuries and other soft tissue damage, this form of treatment can lead to increased pain relief and reduced inflammation over time, as well as a faster overall recovery period.

Flatfoot Reconstruction. Surgery is never our immediate choice for treatment. It is only recommended when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief or it is clear that they will not. When surgery is necessary, however—such as for correction of a painful flatfoot condition—Dr. Wettstein is fully trained in multiple procedures.

The ultimate course of treatment is something the patient has control over. We will be sure to fully discuss all your options with you as well as their ramifications. This is especially true if surgery is under consideration.

For Burley’s Foot and Ankle Needs

If you or a loved one has a foot or ankle problem, the worst thing you can do is hold off on treatment. No matter how long you have had heel pain, toenail fungus, or other issues, taking action now gets you one step closer to relief and one step away from additional complications down the line.

We have offices in Burley and Twin Falls to serve our patients’ needs. Give us a call at (208) 731-6321 to schedule an appointment, or fill out our online contact form below to have a member of our staff reach out to you.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/library/a-trusted-podiatrist-for-burley-and-beyond.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-126534Wed, 24 Apr 2019 14:27:00 ESTAs long as we live under the laws of supply and demand, we will always see companies trying to provide alternatives to products and services that are “cheaper, but just as effective—or even better!”

In some cases, these items really can work out quite well. Sometimes you really are just paying more for a brand name, and a more generic product can provide a similar experience or fulfill the same exact needs for a much lower cost.

The same can also be said for certain medications. When generics become available for prescriptions, the cost goes down but the benefits to the patient often still remain!

So when chronic foot pain or a related issue comes up and custom orthotic inserts are recommended as a solution, we are not surprised when many begin to think of the inserts they see lining the aisles of their local store (or are right next to that cool-looking machine you can stand on).

But is a cheaper, over-the-counter orthotic option the same in this case as cheaper options for other treatments? That comes down to form and function.

What Are You Getting from an Orthotic?

While a medication’s effects are chemical, an orthotic’s effects are mechanical—and that makes a big difference.

An orthotic device is recommended when an abnormality in foot structure is causing pain or other problems. Perhaps you have heel pain that is being caused by flat feet. Another condition could involve diabetic ulcers that can develop due to excess pressure on a certain point of the foot. In still other cases, a foot deformity such as a bunion or hammertoe can be aggravated by pressure.

Orthotics help manage and treat these conditions by providing cushioning, support, and corrective guidance where it is needed. This can favorably change the way that weight and forces are distributed across the foot, as well as prevent abnormalities in gait (such as overpronation—rolling your foot too far inward when you walk).

The end results are often reduced or eliminated pain, or elimination of sores, calluses, and irritation from “hot zones” on the foot. But when it comes to bringing these effects to a patient, design is important.

One Size Does Not Fit All

The mechanical influence of an orthotic means it will be most effective when it is unique.

When we prescribe a custom orthotic, it is not in the same way that a medication is prescribed. While the dosage of a medication can be changed, it is still following a standard “recipe.” No two custom-made orthotics, however, will have the same shape.

The reason for this is rather simple: no two feet are exactly the same, either.

If the goal is to redistribute weight and provide better alignment of the foot structure, the best results will come from an orthotic that is designed especially for the needs of that foot. It will fit the foot exactly, and provide exactly the amount of cushioning and material needed.

We do this by creating a cast or model of your foot, and prescribing the creation of an orthotic insert in very specified ways. Even after an orthotic comes in, we may perform additional minor adjustments to ensure the device is doing the job right.

Over-the-counter orthotics simply don’t work this way. They provide a range of fits and consistencies, but nothing as specific as a custom-made set can offer. You can think of them more as an “IKEA”-style approach to foot support. They can provide a decent help for very minor occasions, but you should never expect them to address very specific needs.

Another similar comparison to over the counter orthotics can usually be found not too far away in the pharmacy: over-the-counter reading glasses. Can they provide some quick help when needed? Sure. Are they something you would expect to help you full-time? Certainly not. In fact, wearing them all day could cause strain if they don’t fit your eyes’ needs precisely, and the same can be said for over-the-counter orthotics!

But What More Comes with the Cost?

Yes, it is true that you will often pay more for custom-made orthotics than those available in stores. There are costs associated with designing anything to specific needs, and we feel the results are worth it.

However, in addition to results, you are also getting a greater deal of durability. Custom-made orthotics tend to last much longer than store-bought inserts. Depending on use, you may be able to go a year or two without needing a replacement. Conducting standard maintenance and refurbishing can extend the life of your orthotics considerably!

Many insurance plans can cover yearly custom orthotics, and we will work with yours to get you the best prices and options available.

Treatment that is Tailored to You

The best care for your foot and ankles is tailored to all your needs, including age, lifestyle, and other conditions. While custom orthotics provide the best fit for many, it might not be the specific treatment you need.

If you have been suffering from discomfort, you deserve to receive the best in personalized care. Call us at (208) 731-6321 to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Twin Falls or Burley. If you prefer to contact us electronically, you can also fill out our online form and a member of our staff will respond.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/over-the-counter-orthotics-work-right-.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-188060Fri, 12 Apr 2019 07:30:00 ESTIf you live in the Gooding area and require compassionate, professional care for a foot or ankle problem, Dr. Matt Wettstein and Advanced Foot & Ankle are here to serve you and your family’s needs.

Advanced Foot and Ankle has been a fixture in the greater Twin Falls area for years, providing top treatment for a wide variety of podiatric conditions. Our service areas include, but are not limited to:

Sports Injury Treatment. As a runner himself, Dr. Wettstein understands the desire to remain committed to training and staying active. We emphasize fast, safe recovery and measures to help prevent future injuries from happening.

Diabetic Foot Care. Proper care for the feet is crucial when someone lives with diabetes. Our focus is on preventative management, but we will also provide care for needs that arise.

Heel Pain Treatment. Painful heels are a common problem that come from a variety of causes. We can get to the root of your pain and provide the best means of treating it.

Bunion Treatment and Management. No matter how long you have had a bunion, something can be done to increase your comfort and potentially lessen its progression. A variety of conservative options exist, as well as surgery if needed.

Nail and Skin Care. Ingrown toenails, athlete’s foot, fungal nails, and plantar warts are all conditions we see and treat regularly.

While these are large areas of focus at our practice, they are not the only matters we attend to. If you are curious as to whether we treat a specific foot or ankle condition, do not hesitate to call us and ask. Odds are we do!

The Right Treatments, from Conservative to Advanced

Why do patients come to us from Gooding and other areas? Because we have an approach to foot and ankle care that prioritizes the patient and provides the best recommendations for an individual’s needs.

If a condition is best treated with traditional methods (such as rest or icing), that is what we will recommend. But if the problem necessitates it, we have more advanced methods at hand.

Our multiwave locked system (MLS) laser therapy is a high-tech method of pain relief we are proud to offer patients. For many causes of pain, especially those due to soft tissue injury, MLS laser has been effective at providing relief from pain and inflammation, as well as an increased rate of recovery.

For cases where an abnormal foot structure or uneven distribution of weight is causing pain, custom orthotics may provide the cushioning and correction you need. Each pair of orthotics is prescribed exactly to the foot shape and needs of each patient, and periodic maintenance and refurbishing can ensure they remain effective for a very long time.

Great Podiatry for Gooding and Beyond

Advanced Foot & Ankle in Twin Falls is always happy to receive new patients from Gooding and all surrounding areas. We would love to help you and your family find the relief you deserve from painful and pesky problems. Patients of all ages—from active athletes to students to office workers and retirees—are all welcome!

If you have questions about matters of the foot or ankle, or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (208) 731-6321. You may also fill out our online contact form and a member of our staff will reach out to you.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/library/looking-for-a-gooding-area-podiatrist-with-a-good-reputation-.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-126065Wed, 13 Mar 2019 12:32:00 ESTHopefully you don’t have trouble getting your child out of bed in the morning. And if so, a motivating reason to get moving might just provide a big boost to their day!

Advanced Foot and Ankle is proud to be a sponsor of the Morning Mile at Rock Creek Elementary School. The program will start on April 8 and provide many students something extra to look forward to each day.

What is the Morning Mile?

The Morning Mile is about as simple as you might expect. It provides every student an opportunity each morning to run, walk, and generally exercise before the school day.

And when Morning Mile says “every student,” they mean it! There are no sign-ups and no pre-requisites that a student must meet in order to participate. The Morning Mile is open to every child, every day, and participation rates at most schools have ranged from 65-97 percent of the student body.

We know what you might be thinking: this sounds good on paper, but making kids run a mile every day is not going to result in lasting participation. Usually we can’t even get kids to commit to matching socks every day!

Fortunately, the Morning Mile is a mile in name only. Students do not have to run a mile. They are more than welcome to do so if they wish, but they can also walk or perform activities at their own pace.

The most important element is that kids get a chance to move before the school day starts. Not only is it good for their physical well-being, but having a chance to blow off some steam can make many kids much more settled down and attentive for learning throughout the day.

Although distance milestones might be celebrated along the way, Morning Mile is in no way a “running club.” The term “club” in itself lends an air of exclusivity that doesn’t match the mission statement here, plus it implies that everyone has to run. “Moving Around Club” also doesn’t seem as appealing an alternative.

We are not looking for commitment, but instead providing opportunity. If kids arrive to school while the Morning Mile is going on, or have to eat breakfast first, they can hop right in as soon as they are able. Parents and guardians might even be able to join in, too!

Why We Are Sponsoring

Obviously, we are all for kids growing up with strong, healthy feet and ankles—and physical activity is an important part of this goal!

Running, walking, and other physical activities help growing bodies develop more soundly and securely. Muscles become stronger and more enduring, but so do the soft tissues that surround and support our joints. Even our bones become stronger when we exercise.

All of this conditioning complements itself and provides more stability overall in our feet and ankles. Sprains become less likely to happen, and the effects can be less sidelining when they do. Risks of heel pain can also reduce thanks to a stronger Achilles tendon and well-conditioned bones.

We can’t say that running a mile every day will make your child’s feet invincible, but the overall benefits in the long run can be substantial!

And setting podiatry aside (we’re allowed to now and then!), running is also great for the heart and lungs. But the benefits are not only physical. Stress reduction is also a great benefit of running, and feeling the improvement that comes with faster times and better performance can be a great boost to self-confidence as well.

Tips for Kids on the Move

Although running comes with a high recommendation in our office, it is always best to take a few simple measures to reduce risks of sports injuries during activity.

The more protection, support, and comfort a child has when active, the happier they—and you—will be! Here are a few pieces of advice that will work just as well for you as they will for your children.

Have shoes ready for the job. We are not asking you to buy specialized running shoes for your kids to run about in before school (although those would be ideal if your child is an active runner outside of the Morning Mile, too). However, the shoes your child uses should have enough support and flexibility for running.

What does this mean? For one, your child should not be running in boots. If they need boots for the journey in, make sure they have good shoes to change into when they arrive at the school. Also check your child’s shoes to make sure they are not worn out or have not been outgrown. Both of these situations can lead to discomfort while running and increase the chances of problems such as heel pain and blisters.

Encourage stretching. While kids often seem to go from 0-60 without much trouble at all, encouraging a quick warm-up before running will help prepare the body for activity and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. It’s a great habit to develop early on, and only becomes increasingly important as we grow up. Please also be sure that your children are using proper running form when moving as well.

Keep track of your child’s feet and complaints. Even when all other precautions are followed, a child’s arches or foot structure can still make them more likely to experience pain during activity. If your child has such problems, or you notice they have flat feet, give us a call. We can help you determine what the root of any potential problem is and recommend treatments such as strengthening exercises or custom orthotics to make physical activity much more comfortable.

We can’t wait for the Morning Mile to begin, and hope it’s something your children will come to enjoy, too.

If you have questions about your child’s foot care, or a problem has arisen that needs an expert’s evaluation, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (208) 731-6321. We have offices in Twin Falls and Burley that are ready to help!

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/will-we-see-you-at-the-morning-mile-.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-187255Wed, 13 Mar 2019 02:19:00 ESTWe know how the thrill of running and other forms of exercise can feel. You’re out there. You’re busting up the trail or court. You feel like an unstoppable force!

Then that unstoppable force meets an immovable object—like the table leg before you even get out the door.

A stubbed toe can be a real showstopper. It’s like your toe took all your motivation and decided to trade it for a hefty dose of pain instead.

Even so, some of the more determined among us might still want to get out and get moving, sports injury or not. Is it really a good idea to be active after a toe has received a good whack, though? That might depend on the situation.

Just How Bad is It?

Just because your toe hurts like the dickens doesn’t necessarily mean it’s broken. But then it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not broken, either.

A stubbed toe might be a more complicated injury than it first looks, so it’s important to be a bit cautious and mindful of your toe’s condition. If you suspect your toe is broken, you will want to call us as soon as possible, and certainly not go out on a jog!

Here are some signs that your toe might not just be stubbed, but broken as well:

Your toe is very red and bruised.

The toe is extremely painful. (You will likely be in a lot of pain right when it happens, of course, but the pain of a broken toe will be more prominent and not tend to lessen after a couple days.)

It is difficult to walk on the toe. Wearing shoes may also be extremely difficult.

The toe is stiff, swollen, and hot to the touch.

Your toe looks deformed in any way.

The toenail is split or bleeding.

The skin tone changes from red or pink to blue or grey.

If you have any of the symptoms above, it would be a good idea to give us a call and let us know what’s going on. We might recommend that you come in and have an X-ray to determine whether your toe is, in fact, broken.

Sometimes, what might feel or look like a fracture is really just a bad sprain. These will tend to start to improve after a few days.

What If My Toe Is Broken?

The good news is that a broken toe typically does not take a lot of effort to fix. Very rarely does anyone have to undergo surgery to treat their toe.

If the bones of the toe have shifted during the fracture, we will likely have to manipulate it to set the pieces back in their proper places. This is called “reduction,” and again typically doesn’t include having to cut open the toe. The toe will be properly numbed first before we do this.

Once a broken toe is properly set, it must still be given time to rest and heal. For more minor breaks, taping the toe to its neighbor (aka “buddy taping”) can be an effective means of immobilizing the injured toe.

This sort of taping can be performed at home after you see us. We will tell you this in the office too, but be sure to have a piece of gauze between the two toes you tape together, to avoid friction damage between them. If your toe starts to hurt or swell, you might have wrapped too tightly and need to readjust.

In some cases, we might also provide a post-surgical shoe to accommodate your toe. These shoes have a stiff bottom for support and immobilization, but also a soft top that closes and fastens easily. This provides your toe more room while still keeping it from flexing too much.

In cases where there are concerns the fragments of your toe won’t stay together, we may opt for a walking cast.

A broken toe will typically take about 4-6 weeks to heal. You will very likely have restricted movement and be required to maintain your cast or taping, but these may gradually be loosened or removed based on our recommendations.

Icing your toe and keeping your foot elevated above the level of your heart can help with pain relief and reducing swelling. You might also be prescribed medications to assist with that.

Can I Still Run with a Broken Toe?

We’re afraid that’s a big “no” from us, chief—at least during the first part of recovery.

Trying to run with a broken toe—even if it’s just the little toe—can complicate your recovery and even lead to worse problems. And, needless to say, it’s not a fun time, either.

If you add stress to a broken toe, you increase your risk of breaking it even further. While a broken toe is usually simple enough to heal with minimal interaction, you don’t want to risk the need for further intervention by shifting the bones fragments out of place or even getting one to poke through the skin!

Having your toe heal properly and without interference is also going to reduce your risks of developing chronic pain in that toe through the future. A broken toe that goes untreated or is not treated properly is more likely to develop osteoarthritis as you age. That is not something you want to have to deal with in your workout routines, if you can avoid it.

Patience will be your best ally in recovery. Having to avoid impact does not mean you can’t focus exercise in other ways, and we can help you find ways to cross-train and even strengthen your toe as it recovers.

May Your Path Be Free of Obstacles

Stubbing your toe is never fun, but we are here to help when it’s a particularly bad slam.

If you feel your toe (or any other part of your foot) is not improving with a couple days of home care, it’s time to give Advanced Foot and Ankle a Call at (208) 731-6321. Our offices in Twin Falls and Burley will help you get back to full motion as quickly and safely as possible.

]]>https://www.idahofoot.com/blog/stubbed-toes-and-exercise-a-few-tips-from-experience.cfmwww.idahofoot.com-186664Wed, 13 Feb 2019 08:32:00 ESTWe get the temptation. You have stubbed your toe something fierce, but don’t want it to interfere with your running. Is it safe to run with a broken toe, or a toe that has been injured in some other way?

If you suspect your toe may be broken, you will not want to perform any exercise that involves moving it until you have the opportunity to get it seen by a professional. Fractured bones in a toe, as with anywhere else in the body, can further shift and cause damage if they are moved or have additional forces placed on them.

This does not necessarily mean you must be laid up for the entirety of recovery, however. You can still initially perform some activities that do not place stress on your toe, and we will help you determine what kinds of exercises will be the best for you to perform as your toe heals. As your toe grows stronger, you may begin to gradually ease back into running—and it will also be important to perform stretches and specific exercises to further strengthen and stabilize your toe.

If you feel your toe is broken, you have no benefit in waiting. Give Advanced Foot and Ankle a Call at (208) 731-6321. Our offices in Twin Falls and Burley will help you get back to action as quickly and safely as possible.

A slip and fall can happen just about anywhere, but winter tends to be the prime season for sliding into disaster. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 saw a recorded 34,860 workplace slip and fall injuries that involved ice, sleet, or snow.

The above figure only counts slips on the job, and only slips leading to one or more days of missed work to recover. Add every time someone has slipped going out to fetch the mail or gone tail over tea kettle in a parking lot and the numbers get much, much higher.

A sudden fall can quickly ruin anyone’s day. Hopefully the only injury that results is to one’s pride, but worse does happen. For the feet, it can mean an ankle sprain or even a fracture—and the rest of us aren’t that safe, either. Wrist fractures, back injuries, head trauma; the unpleasant list goes on.

It’s impossible to avoid slipping every time (that might take rewriting the laws of physics). However, there are plenty of precautions you can take to lower your risks of doing so.

Have the Right Footwear

Your shoes and boots are what you’re putting your full weight upon when you move. You want that spot where your footwear meets the ground to have as much grip and friction as you need to stay upright.

Rubber is a great material to have on your outsole when conditions may be slippery. You also want to have good treads as well. Look for nubs and crevices; a flat underside to your shoes is just asking for your feet to slide out from under you.

Also try to avoid leather when possible, and keep your shoes flat. Heels focus more of your weight on certain points, and that increase in pressure increases the risk of overcoming the friction holding your heel in place.

But what if you need to wear certain shoes, such as running shoes, work shoes, or custom-made footwear to serve specific needs?

In cases when you need to add traction to footwear that is less than optimal for the situation, consider buying some removable traction aids. These tend to slip over your existing shoes and add friction via small spikes or nodules. A couple words of warning, though: do not wear them on bare pavement or hard surfaces (you will wear them down) and definitely remove them before entering the house!

Watch Your Walk

Different situations call for different approaches. That includes the way you approach an icy patch that’s in your way.

The way we walk involves the shifting of weight and our legs. When we walk normally, we will extend one leg out in front of the other, hit the ground with our heel and push off with the toes. This causes our weight to be consistently shifting and divided over a fair amount of space, on two legs that are extended at angles against the ground.

It’s a great way to get around on easy land, but much riskier on ice!

If you’re approaching a stretch of ice or other slippery-looking lane, it will help to both reduce the shifting of your weight and keep as much of your weight focused on your center of gravity of possible.

Do you know who’s a really good role model for this? Penguins!

You don’t have to necessarily “waddle” like a penguin, but keeping your steps short and tight will help keep your weight centered well. Always keep your center of gravity over your front leg as you move, and keep your feet relatively flatter without shuffling along the ice.

Improve Your Balance

Do you remember those car commercials that feature traction control systems? The ones that say they “move power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip”?

Our bodies have a system that’s somewhat like that! Our nervous system is consistently monitoring where our body’s position is and what forces may be acting upon it. The scientific term for it is proprioception.

When our bodies sense we are in danger of falling, orders go out immediately in an attempt to fire muscles in ways that will stabilize us. Is this system perfect? No, but it can be improved with practice.

Simple balance exercises, yoga, and tai chi are several good ways to develop your proprioception. These forms of exercise help you focus on your positioning and build the muscles your body uses to maintain balance.

To help yourself stay upright, however, you often need more than just your legs. Your arms are go-to tools for shifting your weight quickly when needed.

What does this mean when you’re traveling tricky roadways? Keep your arms ready! Don’t stuff your hands into your pockets, and don’t overload yourself with bags when heading to your door. Several safe trips will feel a lot better than a single hazardous one.

Use What You’ve Got

Don’t be afraid to use support whenever necessary.

Handrails exist for a reason! When getting out of your car, test the ground with your feet first then use the car for support as you exit.

If you have the choice between walking on glare ice or packed snow, always go for the snow instead. Don’t be afraid to take alternate routes if the one you had initially planned looks terrible.

Overall, the best thing you can give yourself to avoid falls is time. Time to review your surroundings. Time to slow things down and not rush into danger. Time to take a longer route, if needed.

Get Yourself Back Up

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents will still happen. If you’ve suffered a fall that has left consistent pain in your foot or ankle, Advanced Foot & Ankle in Twin Falls and Burley can help. If you are concerned about fall risks for a loved one, we can provide advice for you on that as well.

Ugh, it’s another one of those “things to avoid” blogs. But wait, hold up!

If you live with diabetes, you likely know how important self-management is. As a podiatry office, we know how important it is as well! The better a patient manages their blood sugar levels, the slower the effects of diabetes take their toll on the body. For a vulnerable area such as the feet, this is a great goal.

But.

We also understand how miserable it can feel to be told what to avoid all the time. Human beings don’t like being told what not to do. “Avoiding” something is passive and restrictive. You start to feel like you’re not really in control of things, especially when you hit a celebratory season and you find yourself surrounded by all those forbidden items!

The best mindset for diabetic care is not passive, though. It’s active. It’s in charge. It’s you making smart choices for a healthy life—but also a free and enjoyable one.

So let’s not think about the “floor is lava”-like avoidance as much as being smart and in control with how we manage our diets. We have a few tips for just that, especially when the holidays and other celebrations are approaching.

NOTE: The advice presented below is for general situations and might not be best suited for all patients. Check with your primary diabetic care physician before making changes to your diet. Their advice takes priority over anything presented here.

Plan Ahead

If you know you’re heading to an event and there’s something delectable you want, prepare yourself to allow it into your diet for the week without destroying your levels.

What this does not mean is starving yourself through the day so you can eat whatever you want in the evening. Your blood sugar may plummet during the day, then rise too high as you overcompensate. This roller coaster ride is bad for you.

It’s better to take a longer view of your diet. If you want to have something carb-rich tonight, let it take the place of other carbs you tend to have one or two days from now. You can also consider upping your exercise that day or the next to help compensate. Head out for a walk during a part of the party, or get on the bike or treadmill tomorrow morning.

Also keep in mind that, just because an event is happening at a certain time doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy something from it later. Ask if you can bring home something extra with you to have the next day or later in the week. Most hosts are happy to see their guests off with leftovers instead of eating their way out of all of it themselves.

Scout, Divide, and Conquer

Don’t be afraid to ask your host what they are planning to serve at their party, noting you wish to keep your blood sugar in check. You are not imposing them to provide you healthier options here; you are making your plan.

If there’s something on the menu you want that you know will be costly, determine how you’ll make up for it beforehand. If you wish to have something more favorable to you there, offer to bring it yourself.

If there’s a buffet-style spread, give it a look-over before dinner starts. You don’t want to fill your plate with one item only to realize something you wanted more is at the end!

In general, a well-rounded plate will be half-filled with veggies, a quarter-filled with protein, and the last quarter filled with carbs.

Moderate Your Drinking

An alcoholic drink can be relaxing, but it can also be a well of carbs and empty calories.

If you do decide to drink, the American Diabetes Association recommends limiting yourself to one for women and two for men (but really, one for men is even better). Put a hefty limit on anything heavy or made with syrup, and try opting for a light beer or wine spritzer instead.

Don’t Get Sauced

We already talked about alcohol. This one’s about actual sauces.

Although, when you consider it, alcohol and sauces share similarities in being surprisingly easy ways to build up calories and carbs in your consumption.

Keep heavy sauces and gravies to as bare a minimum as possible. Items swimming in creams, butter, cheese, and other thickness can easily ruin your plans for balance. Scrape that stuff off if you’re not willing to make up for it elsewhere.

Don’t Force the Sugar-Free Stuff on Yourself

If there are sugar-free options you enjoy, then by all means go for them! However, experience states that many of these products aren’t always the most suitable replacements for the real thing.

Just because something is free of sugar doesn’t mean it’s free of carbs altogether. Trying to satisfy yourself with a ton of sugar-free products might be worse off in some cases than finding real satisfaction with a little of the real deal.

Quantity isn’t always the best goal when it comes to enjoying yourself. If you opt for smaller portions and take the time to savor them, you might be surprised at how happy you are when it’s gone!

Take Charge of Your Diabetic Foot Care

The best thing about choosing healthier eating options and still enjoying what you eat is how it sets a good example for everyone around you. A “diabetic diet” isn’t just good for someone with diabetes; it’s an overall healthy diet for everyone.

It’s largely the same for the more foot-specific aspects of diabetic care, too. Pay attention to all aspects of good care, with a positive mindset, and you’ll be a much happier person than if you hadn’t—guaranteed!

If you are seeking professional guidance for your diabetic foot care, or simply have some questions about it, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (208) 731-6321. Our offices in Twin Falls and Burley will be happy to help you.